Water pump with housing/impeller to enhance seal performance

摘要

Systems and methods for improving seal performance in a centrifugal water pump for an internal combustion engine increase static pressure at the seal by incorporating a combination of slots and ribs into a seal cavity of the pump housing that are positioned to convert dynamic fluid pressure into static pressure at the seal while reducing coolant velocity at the seal. Vent holes in the impeller having an appropriate size and location may also be used to increase the static pressure at the seal to enhance seal performance.